Family briefs

Naturally Oregon
        Though this year’s Oregon Fest has been canceled, the community Flower Market & Plant Exchange will go on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 2973 Dustin Rd.
        The one-day event will feature local greenhouses, food trucks, recycling opportunities an Eco-Market and the traditional Give `n Take Plant Exchange.
        Plant exchange details
        Participants are invited to bring extra plants they’ve divided from their spring yard work and trade for what others bring.  At plant drop off, participants will get tickets that can be redeemed in approximately one hour for other plants to take home.
        The schedule includes:
        9-10 a.m. – plant drop-off.
        • Bring plants in pots, boxes, or plastic bags;
        • Label with name (labels will be available the day of the exchange);
        • Park in the Eastpoint Therapy lot and head over to the market for vendors, food trucks, and educational booths.
        10-11 a.m. – plant exchange
        • Return to Plant Exchange area, wait for your group number to be called. Exchange participants will be admitted into the exchange shopping area in groups of eight to select plants to take home.
        • Carry plants to your car or return with car to entrance for assistance loading.
        Visit oregonfest.info for more details.
 
Rita’s Soups
        Rita McDougle, a lifelong resident of the East Toledo and Oregon area, known for her community garden, her artistic flair and her cooking, lost her battle with lung cancer in November 2020.
        She was also known for always stretching leftovers into rich, tasty soups, and for making sure no one went hungry in her home. As a tribute to her, her son, Quinn, and Knute Huber, started “Rita’s Soups,” a feeding program designed to assist people in need of simple nutrition.
        The next distribution will be held Saturday, May 15 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 798 S. Coy Rd., Oregon. Three varieties of soups, along will crackers or bread and a beverage will be available to anyone who comes through the doors. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, meals will be available for take-out only. Guests may take what they need, in their own containers, or some containers will be available.
        Freewill offerings will be accepted from those wishing to contribute to the program and its future success. Donations may also be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, attn: Rita’s Soups.
 
Walk-in vaccine clinics
        Sandusky County Public Health is partnering with multiple community organizations and villages to host walk-in Moderna COVID-19 vaccine clinics across the county. The clinics are open to anyone 18 years or older.
        Clinics include:
        • Sandusky County Public Health and the City of Fremont, Sunday, May 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fremont Recreation Center, 600 St. Joseph St.. Individuals who get vaccinated at this clinic will receive one free day pass to Fremont Recreation Center.
        • Sandusky County Public Health and the Village of Woodville, Monday, May 24, 1-3 p.m., Village of Woodville Utilities Office/Administration Building, 530 Lime St., Woodville.
        • Sandusky County Public Health and the Sandusky County Parks District, Thursday, June 3, 1-3 p.m., White Star Barn, 5013 County Road 65, Gibsonburg. Individuals who get vaccinated at this clinic will receive one free pass to White Star Beach.
        SCPH is also hosting walk-in clinics from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 19 and May 26. Appointments are offered but not required for these clinics. To schedule an appointment, visit gettheshot.coronovirus.ohio.gov.
        For those who need transportation, TRIPS is offering free round-trip rides to vaccine appointments anywhere is Sandusky County. To schedule, call TRIPS at 419-332-8091.
        To stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccine clinic information, visit Sandusky County Public Health’s website at www.scpublichealth.com or follow the agency’s Facebook page.
 
Boomer is Back!
        After quite the hibernation, Bay Area Credit Union’s Boomer Froggy will host a Fun in the Sun Day Saturday, May 22 at the credit union, located at 4202 Navarre Ave. in Oregon.
        The event will be held completely outside, where social distancing can be maintained. It will include games for the First Mates to play, prizes, snacks and juice boxes. Boomer will be available for photos from 10 a.m.-noon.
 
Art show set
        Northwestern Ohio Rural Arts (N.O.R.A.), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, will present its annual Art Show Saturday, May 29 from 5-9 p.m. at Walbridge VFW Post 9963.
        The works of several local artists will be on display and available for purchase. The event will also feature music by Moose, a cash bar, homemade snacks and 50/50 drawings.
 
“Elements of Style”
        Imagination Station is bringing food, style, self-care and science together for the third annual “Elements of Style” fundraiser, Wednesday, May 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. via Zoom.
        “Elements of Style: The Essence of Chic, Exploring Brains, Beauty & Body,” will be a virtual fundraiser that highlights total body wellness with a sprinkle of science.
        Attendees will explore the fascinating science behind beauty products, meditation and taste; see what’s new in fashion and have a hands-on experiential evening of fun.
        The evening, hosted by Chrys Peterson, former WTOL anchor and founder of Chrys Peterson Consulting, will showcase local experts in their fields including:
        • Erika Rapp, co-owner and chef, Registry Bistro;
        • Dr. Gabriella Baki, assistant professor of pharmaceutics, The University of Toledo;
        • Tresha Heath, cosmetics director, Giella Certified Artist, Beach House Day Spa;
        • Leslie Chapman, owner and instructor, Toledo Yoga;
        • Jane Wurth, owner, Ragazza.
        Tickets are $100 a person and include an event box that will enhance the virtual soiree. Valued at more than $300, gifts will include a luxury moisturizer and makeup; a bracelet from Ragazza; an assortment of gift certificates and discounts to local businesses; tempting food with complementing wine; an event tote and water bottle; a Pashmina; pearl earrings; handmade Maasai earrings and more.
        Attendees can also browse the silent auction online and bid on a variety of items and services from local restaurants, businesses and artists. Bidding opens May 20.
        All proceeds raised will help Imagination Station provide informal science education opportunities for children across the region. Register by visiting imaginationstationtoledo.org by May 19.
        The event is presented by Comfort Line FiberFrame and is supported by contributing sponsor Foundation Steel, LLC.
 
“Shrek the Musical”
        Everyone’s favorite upside-down fairytale is coming to the Clay High School stage when Clay Limelighters present “Shrek the Musical,” May 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., and May 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at claylimelighters.org.
        “Shrek the Musical” tells the story of the irreverent but lovable ogre who embarks on a life-changing adventure to return the banished fairytale creatures back to the kingdom of Lord Farquaad. Joined by a wisecracking donkey, the unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues the feisty princess Fiona, and learns that friendship and love aren’t only found in fairy tales. The musical offers theatrical fun for the whole family.
         In compliance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines, seating will maintain social distancing.
 
Stroll, Shop, Dine
        Stroll, Shop, Dine at the Shrine, a free, one-day outdoor vendor and shopping event, Saturday, June 5 from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the large lot at Our Lady of Toledo Shrine, 655 S. Coy Rd., Oregon.
        The event will host up to 100 local vendors selling a variety of products including handcrafted jewelry, candles, house décor, gift packages, health and wellness products, fine art, baked goods and more. In addition, there will be food trucks, raffles and contests.
        Stroll, Shop, Dine is a new event organization led by small business owners, Rebecca Tansel and Taylor Holloway. Tansel runs Callisto Terra, a handmade candle business and The Hoot Sticks, which offers marketing materials for small businesses. Tansel is the owner of Rebecca Rae Creative Services, which offers graphic design - branding and marketing solutions. 
        Their focus is to build up local small businesses in NW Ohio and provide a fun environment for them to showcase their products and services to the Oregon community while also raising community awareness of the 20-acre Our Lady of Toledo Shrine and Sabaidee Coffee & Crepes bus, which is stationed on the shrine grounds.
        Visit www.facebook.com/strollshopdine for updates, vendor information and more.
 
Miakonda Day Camp
        After a year of isolation and virtual activities, Erie Shores Council invites youth entering first through fifth grades to attend Miakonda Day Camp in person.
        Children will have the opportunity to explore nature, make new friends, and participate in many fun, educational outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, archery, STEM activities, Scout skills, crafts and games.
        There are five week-long sessions to choose from this year, including:
        Week 1: June 14-18
        Week 2: June 21-25
        Week 3: June 28- July 2
        Week 4: July 6-9 (4 days)
        Week 5: July 12-16
        Registration for each week is $205 per camper, which includes a T-shirt, camp patch and lunches. Discounts are available for those registering for multiple weeks or with siblings. Flexible payment options are available.
        For questions regarding the program, email cmcampdirector@erieshores.org. To register, email samantha.andreas@scouting.org, call 419-843-0107 or visit ErieShoresCouncil.org/CDC.
“Talking With…”
        The Black Swamp Players will be performing Jane Martin’s “Talking With…” live at the Ohio Theatre, 3112 Lagrange St., Toledo, from May 20-23.
        The play will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/each and may be purchased at www://tinyurl.com/TWBSP. All tickets must be purchased online; no tickets will be available for sale at the door.
        Social distancing protocols will be strictly observed for all performances and audience members will be required to wear masks throughout the performance.
        Comprised of eleven monologues, “Talking With…” introduces audiences to a kaleidoscope of idiosyncratic women – from a career baton twirler to a fundamentalist snake handler, an ex-rodeo rider, an old woman who claims to have seen a man healed by a Big Mac, and many more. Equal parts humorous and touching, Martin's play invites audiences to share in some of the most intimate experiences that women have with parents, with spouses, with lovers, with children, and ultimately with themselves.
 
Virtual Walking Tour
        The Wood County District Public Library invites the community to take a virtual stroll through Wood County and learn its history on Thursday, June 3 at 2 p.m.
        Join Local History Librarian Marnie Pratt and Wood County Museum Director Kelli Kling in learning about some of Wood County’s famous places.
        “The Walking Tour is always such a fun event, and while the pandemic has required us to move it online this year, the new format does present a unique opportunity,” Pratt said. “We are no longer limited to locations that we can walk to within an hour, and so, we will be covering places throughout the county.”
        Registration is required. To register, email woodref@wcdpl.org or call 419-352-5050.
 
“Stories of Strength”
        Each year, Ohio and the nation celebrate May as Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Communities of Strength.”
        To help show the many ways that older adults and their communities are linked, the Ohio Department of Aging is collecting “Stories of Strength” from Ohioans to share on their website and social media.
        “Over the past year, we have seen how people find strength in their communities, and communities find strength in their people,” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the department. “A community’s strength is shown through both grand acts as well as through day-to-day acts of kindness and compassion for one another.”
        Stories of Strength may be about organizations or individuals who stepped up to overcome challenges and make sure older adults’ needs were met, but they can also be about how individuals reached out and connected to one another when connection meant more than anything. These are the stories that demonstrate the beneficial link between older adults and their communities.
        To submit a story, visit the Ohio Department of Aging’s Older Americans Month webpage (bit.ly/oam-OH). The department will share excerpts of stories throughout the month on their social media and website.
        “When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities, and talents share experiences—through action, story, or service—we help build strong communities, and that is certainly something to celebrate,” Director McElroy added.